Eastin is a referee in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, college football's second-highest level, and a 16-year veteran of officiating. Her cap worn in her preseason debut was sent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The caveat to all this is the possibility locked-out officials and the NFL strike a deal before next week. In that case, history will have to wait, and Eastin's association with replacement officials likely will preclude her from ever making it to the game's highest level.